Explore the extraordinary stories of performers, writers, directors, choreographers, composers and people from across this and other nations, all gathering together for 70 years of the International Festival. In 1947, after the devastation of World War II, the founding vision was to reunite people through great art and "provide a platform for the flowering of the human spirit". In these historic early moments, people overcame the post-war darkness, division and austerity in a blooming of Festival Spirit. And over subsequent decades, our vision has ignited an astonishing breadth of thrilling cultural experiences across the arts. Our vision resonates with pertinence in 2017. In the world's Festival City, the International Festival continues to present some of the most exciting and creative artists working today.

Below are some tips to help you navigate through Edinburgh International Festival's incredible story. While scrolling through the site you will be given the option of accessing additional content using icons noting film footage, audio excerpts and image galleries.

A guide to the icons helping you identify this additional content are listed below.

You can scroll through the story with your mouse or using the arrow keys on your keyboard.